African Goose

African Goose Natural History

Size.

These geese can range in weight from around 16 pounds to 26 pounds in some large exhibition birds. When standing up straight these birds can reach heights of around 1 meter.

Habitat and Distribution.

This goose breed is a domesticated breed which does not have a natural range. It is a breed which originates from South East China.

Age.

The average lifespan of these birds is between 10 and 15 years.

Diet.

These vegetarian geese feed mostly on seeds and grasses, however being domesticated they are mainly fed on commercialy available bird feeds.

Groups and Breeding.

On average the females will lay between 10 and 20 eggs per season however some American breeders have reported as many as 40 eggs per season. These birds seem happiest when kept in pairs or trios, as opposed to keeping them in larger flocks.

Threats.

This goose is fairly commonly bred both commercially and privately keeping its numbers at a constant level, and its only real threat comes from breeders who cross breed it with other geese to improve or change their look or weight etc, which could eventually make it difficult to find pure bred African geese. However, being a domesticated breed of goose it does not face any threats in the wild and is not covered by the IUCN conservation register.

Interesting facts.

It was first recognised as its own breed in 1874.

The Geese During Your Day Out in Kent

At Wingham Wildlife Park, the African goose can be found on the top lake (near the big cats and tapirs), sharing this open area of water with a number of other species of geese, storks, cranes, capybara and ducks (including the wild mallard ducks which visit the lake all year round). The diet which they receive here is mainly made up of specialist bird feed (which visitors are able to purchase for feeding to these and some other species) as well as some bread (however please do not bring your own as this quantity needs to be strictly controlled).

Animal Facts

Opening Hours & Day Ticket Prices

We are open all year round 7 days a week apart from the Christmas period when we are closed on the 25th of December. Please note that we do not accept cheque payment on the gate (with the exception of school groups).

Check our prices section and buy tickets online to save time and money.

Children are not permitted to be in the park unattended, and will not be granted entry without an adult.

Due to having free roaming animals in our park and being covered by the EU BALAI act we do not allow dogs (including guide dogs) in to the park - Remember dogs can die in hot cars, please leave them at home.

Other Ticket Types:

Season Tickets: Pay a one-off price for unlimited entry to the park for a year!

Group rates: are available for groups containing 16 paying persons or more. Including: Brownies, Scouts, Playschemes & Affinity. Group meals can be catered for, please phone before your visit.